1
as in compassionate
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another
a sympathetic smile needed a sympathetic listener who would understand her marital woes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
a sympathetic store manager who let us use the telephone sympathetic letters from supporters after the disappointing verdict
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sympathetic
The base is narrow, the lifespan is limited, the cause is sympathetic.
—
Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Viewers might therefore complain that the series is too sympathetic to its subjects in exchange for access.
—Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Both are also sympathetic toward Russia and love being praised.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 30 May 2026
More than 1,000 Bahraini citizens have sent messages of support to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in recent weeks, praising a clampdown on those accused of being sympathetic to Iran.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Viewers might therefore complain that the series is too sympathetic to its subjects in exchange for access.
—Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Both are also sympathetic toward Russia and love being praised.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 30 May 2026
More than 1,000 Bahraini citizens have sent messages of support to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in recent weeks, praising a clampdown on those accused of being sympathetic to Iran.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
Adjective
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Back in 2014, the company secured FDA authorization for a compassionate-use protocol allowing the Hemopurifier to be used in up to 20 patients with Ebola across 10 clinical sites in the United States.—
Elie Dolgin,
IEEE Spectrum,
4 June 2026
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Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
For Egyptians, crops would not grow without Horus and his benevolent eye shining down between the clouds.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
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The overflow doctor had benevolent eyes and doughy cheeks, like fresh loaves of bread.—
Nami Mun,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
She was known for kind words and good advice.—
Thomas Lake,
AJC.com,
4 June 2026
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Focus on business and personal relationships, and choose to be with people who are kind, helpful and have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Rather, Mitchell said the decision to exclude candidates was made after thoughtful consideration and a two-thirds vote of the party’s roughly 50-member executive board.—
Matthew Kelly
Updated June 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
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The younger dude's use of Rick's musical idea and turning it into a worldwide hit sparks a thoughtful quest about fame and credit.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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Trap and Remove Them Using traps to catch the squirrels and relocate them is perfectly okay with the humane methods that act as a cage instead of hurting the little creature.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
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Ichiyō has already more than vindicated herself, appealing to the deepest and most humane of people’s emotions, depicting unflinchingly what lies true in their hearts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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